The YEF 2025 August Retreat began with an opening message from Pastor Rani Reid, who set a deeply spiritual tone for the days ahead by preaching from Romans 9:1–5. Pastor Reid reflected on the profound heart of the Apostle Paul, who expressed unceasing anguish and a willingness to sacrifice himself for the salvation of his people.
Romans chapter 9, Pastor Reid explained, marks a turning point in Paul’s letter—shifting from the assurance of God’s inseparable love in chapter 8 to Paul’s tearful confession of sorrow for Israel. Quoting Paul’s words, “I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh,” Pastor Reid emphasized how Paul’s love revealed a heart aligned with the sacrificial love of Christ.
Paul’s grief, he reminded the retreat participants, was not only personal but rooted in God’s greater history of salvation. Israel had been entrusted with adoption, the covenants, the law, the worship, and the promises, from which Christ Himself came. Yet Paul’s deep sorrow showed his longing for his people to accept Christ, the fulfillment of God’s promise.
Urging everyone to enter the retreat with this same spirit, Pastor Reid called participants to carry a heart willing to bear others’ burdens for the sake of salvation. Just as Paul endured persecution and rejection while holding fast to the mission of Christ, believers today are also called to embrace a love that transcends culture, family, and personal cost.
The retreat will continue with themes from Romans 9–12, exploring God’s election, the unity of His people, and the transformed life of believers. With this foundation, participants are encouraged to seek a deeper understanding of God’s heart and to renew their calling as instruments of His love and reconciliation.
The opening concluded with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to help all participants take up Paul’s burden and Christ’s love, walking together in faith both during the retreat and beyond.
In total, 16 participants joined, including newcomers Tristen, John, Amia, and Julia. Members Korri, Celeste, and Shannon were also present. Please continue to pray for the retreat, that God’s Word would take root and bear lasting fruit in the lives of all who attend.